Close to Home

Most often when people ask us where we plan on going when we’re done with our time in Kansas, we simply say “West.”

“West,” is where we’re from.  “West” is where our extended families are.  We’ve lived in Kansas for 6 years and the hardest thing about it for us has simply been how far we are from our families.

It’s interesting to note that the homesteading lifestyle has often been undertaken in extended family groups, or with some sort of supportive community that would come together at times when the task called for it.  Harvest time and barn raisings required extra hands, but even long preserving sessions are more effective with a helping hand.

But more than that.  We love sharing a good meal with family, swapping recipes and the news.  Celebrations of the seasons and the people in our lives.  Helping out in times of need, and being helped in return.

So mostly, from here we want to move  closer to family.  That means West, and if we’re lucky–it will mean the Pacific Northwest.

Thanks for humoring my gushing over the Pacific Northwest this last week. Now it’s back to the reality of our lives in the present. We have a year left here, and I’m continuing my work to actively create the life I want for myself and my family every day.

This Week

This Week We:

Tried a new batch of cold process soap–Beeswax Oatmeal

Enjoyed lots of homemade soup–Is it soup season or what?

Tried to make a dent in the bushel and a half of apples I bought on a whim.

Are still reveling in awe at the backyard honey now sitting on our shelf, and counter top, and dinner table.

Are having a good time being reacquainted with grandparents (“I can tell I’m supposed to like you–I’m just not sure why.”)

. : Happy Weekending : .